After all, how does the Covid-19 Rapid Test work?

After all, how does the Covid-19 Rapid Test work?

We are in the midst of a Covid-19 pandemic, a respiratory disease caused by the new coronavirus. Because it is a new condition, there are no proven drugs or vaccines yet. That is why it is essential to track cases and avoid mass contagion.

To assist in this tracking, the Covid-19 Rapid Test was developed. This is a quick assessment that detects the presence of antibodies in the body and identifies whether the patient has had or is infected with the virus. Want to better understand how this type of test works? So, read on.

How does the Covid-19 quick test work?

To understand how the rapid antibody test works, first, you need to understand how the immune response to the virus works. After the viral infection in the body, the incubation period takes place, in which the patient remains asymptomatic. This period can take 2 to 14 days.

After that time, the first symptoms appear, such as high fever and dry cough, which last for about a week. It is at this point that the patient is most susceptible to complications, such as pneumonia.

It is during this period, too, that the body begins to produce antibodies to fight the virus. Therefore, there is an increase in IgM levels and, subsequently, IgG. Thus, the rapid tests detect the presence of these two antibodies in the blood sample, identifying whether the patient has already had contact with the virus, even if asymptomatic.

In which cases is it indicated?

The rapid test is indicated for cases in which the patient has had symptoms of Covid-19 for at least 7 days. Also, for people who have had contact with diagnosed people for at least 15 days, but have no symptoms.

As the production of antibodies only begins after some time, the test is not recommended for the initial acute phase of the disease. That is, during this period there is a great chance of false negatives. For patients in this phase, it is recommended to perform the laboratory exam to detect the presence of the infection more clearly.

How to test for Covid-19?

The rapid test is quite simple and is performed by collecting blood, as in a blood glucose test. The blood sample goes straight to the device, where it is mixed with the diluent solution. Then just wait. The result appears between 10 and 30 minutes after collection.

However, it is important to follow some hygiene and biosafety recommendations, handling it with clean hands, aprons, goggles, and masks.

Quick test kit for Covid-19

How to identify the result?

As we explained, the test result points to the presence of two types of antibodies in the body:

A reagent or positive IgM, which indicates that the patient was or is still infected;

A reagent or positive IgG, which indicates that the patient had contact with the infection at least 3 weeks ago and is possibly immunized.

It is important to keep in mind that antibodies do not guarantee immunization for life. There is still no scientific evidence of how long the acquired immunity lasts.

The Covid-19 rapid test is a good alternative when the patient is suspicious about having been infected in the past. It detects the presence of antibodies and is even important to identify asymptomatic patients who can be vectors in the contamination.

Do you want to offer a quick test in your laboratory or pharmacy?